Michael sculpted this for his father-in-law Cecil Mark, a big Bear Backer. Cecil was a natty dresser who always dressed to the nines for football games. Though the photograph does not show it well, there are little Cal bears on the tie. Michael was also proud of the fact that he caught the very small stomach of thin and fit Cecil.
The sculpture was painted by one of Michael’s dearest friends, Dennis King, a phenomenal painter.
Yes the title is a double entendre, as tail gate parties were a big part of every game. Michael once commented to Cecil that he had been to so many Cal games that when he was old and senile he will think he attended Cal. Cecil’s retort was “well you could have done worse”.
Michael then carved this for his Mother-in-Law, Lois Mark. It is of soapstone and I know that at the time there was a great story that went with it, most likely Michael trying to embarrass Lois regarding the nude male figure, but alas, the story is forgotten.
